Unclaimed Checks, Refunds, and Payroll in New Hampshire: How To Claim Money That’s Owed to You

Finding out you might have unclaimed money in your name can feel both exciting and confusing. In New Hampshire, unclaimed paychecks, tax refunds, utility refunds, and other uncashed checks are usually handled through the state’s unclaimed property system.

This guide explains, in plain language, how unclaimed checks and refunds typically work in New Hampshire, how to look for money in your name, what documents you may need, and how to go through official channels to claim it.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only. It does not process claims, check your status, or send payments. Instead, this article is meant to help you understand the process so you can work directly with the correct New Hampshire state office or other official sources.

What Is “Unclaimed Property” in New Hampshire?

Most unclaimed checks, refunds, and old payroll in New Hampshire end up being handled as unclaimed property.

In practical terms, unclaimed property usually means money or assets that belong to you but that a business or institution couldn’t successfully deliver. After a certain period of time with no contact from you, that money is turned over to the State of New Hampshire for safekeeping.

Common examples include:

• Uncashed payroll checks from former employers
• Uncashed refund checks, such as:
  • Utility bill refunds
  • Insurance claim refunds
  • Credit card overpayment refunds
• Unclaimed tax refunds (depending on the source, this may be federal or state)
• Security deposits (rental, utility, etc.) that were never returned or cashed
• Bank accounts with no activity for a set period
• Dividends, stocks, or mutual funds you lost track of

The state does not take ownership of this money. It simply holds it until the owner (or heirs) come forward and file a claim through the state’s official unclaimed property office.

Types of Unclaimed Checks and Refunds You Might Have

Not all unclaimed money is handled by the same agency. Here’s how it often breaks down in New Hampshire.

1. Unclaimed Payroll Checks

If you worked for an employer and never received or cashed your paycheck:

• After a few years of no contact, many employers are required to turn those funds over to the New Hampshire unclaimed property office.
• You can typically search for your name (and sometimes past addresses or employer names) in the state’s official unclaimed property database.

You might see entries like:

• “Payroll check”
• “Wages”
• “Salary”

If you recognize the employer or address, you can usually file a claim with the state as the rightful owner.

2. Unclaimed Refund Checks (Utilities, Insurance, Retail, etc.)

Refunds that were mailed but never cashed often become unclaimed property. Examples:

• Utility companies (electric, gas, water) issuing a final bill refund
• Insurance companies issuing claim checks or premium refunds
• Retailers refunding purchases
• Lenders or servicers refunding overpayments or escrow balances

If these checks are never deposited, the company may eventually send the funds to the state as unclaimed property, where you can look them up and claim them.

3. State vs. Federal Tax Refunds

New Hampshire state-related refunds (for example, refunds on certain state-collected taxes or fees) sometimes appear in the state unclaimed property system if they’re not claimed.

Federal income tax refunds are handled by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), not the state. If you think you have a missing federal refund:

• You typically need to contact the IRS or use its official “Where’s My Refund?” tools.
• This is separate from New Hampshire’s unclaimed property process.

When you search the state unclaimed property database, you may see some tax-related items, but not federal income tax refunds.

Who Can Usually Claim Unclaimed Checks and Payroll in New Hampshire?

You may be able to claim money if you are:

• The original owner listed (your own name, business name, or joint account)
• A surviving spouse, child, or heir of someone who has passed away
• An executor or administrator of an estate
• An authorized representative for a business (owner, officer, or authorized agent)

The key is being able to prove your connection to the name, address, or business shown in the unclaimed property record.

How To Search for Unclaimed Checks and Refunds in New Hampshire

You do not have to pay any third-party company to look for your unclaimed money. The official search and claim process is typically free through the state.

Step 1: Identify the Official New Hampshire Unclaimed Property Office

Look for:

• The New Hampshire state government website
• The Treasury Department or Office of the State Treasurer
• A section clearly labeled “Unclaimed Property” or “Abandoned Property”

Make sure:

• The web address ends in “.gov”
• Contact information lists a New Hampshire state office with official phone numbers and mailing addresses

If you are unsure, you can call a New Hampshire state information line or use 211 to ask for the correct unclaimed property office.

Step 2: Use the Official Online Search Tool (If Available)

Most states, including New Hampshire, offer a free online search tool where you can enter:

• Your first and last name
• Any prior names (maiden name, previous married name, or name changes)
• Business names you own or manage
• Previous addresses if the tool supports that

Tips for searching:

• Try multiple spellings or versions of your name
• Search under old addresses where you lived, even many years ago
• If you’ve used a nickname or middle initial, search those too

Step 3: Review Results Carefully

When you search, you might see:

• Your name with an old address
• A former employer’s name next to “Payroll Check”
• A utility or insurance company you once used
• Different dollar ranges (exact amounts sometimes show only after you claim)

Look for records that match:

• Your name (or very close spelling)
• A past address you recognize
• A company or employer you had dealings with

If a record clearly looks like it’s yours, you can usually select it to begin a claim.

How To File a Claim for Unclaimed Checks and Payroll in New Hampshire

Once you have identified a possible match, the next step is to file a formal claim with the state’s unclaimed property office.

Typical Ways To File

Processes can vary slightly by year and agency, but commonly you’ll see:

1. Online claim form through the official New Hampshire unclaimed property portal
2. Paper claim form that you:
   • Download from the official site
   • Fill out by hand
   • Mail to the address listed on the form

Some claims can be completed fully online, while others require notarized signatures, original documents, or mail-in submissions.

Documents You May Need To Claim Unclaimed Money

The exact documents depend on the type of claim and relationship to the property, but common requirements include:

For Individuals Claiming Their Own Money

You are usually asked to provide:

• Proof of identity, such as:
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport
• Proof of current address, such as:
  • Utility bill
  • Lease agreement
  • Bank statement
• Proof of connection to the old address listed in the record, such as:
  • Old utility bill or lease
  • Old tax return
  • Pay stub from the employer listed
  • W-2 from that year

For Heirs or Estate Representatives

If the person named is deceased, you may need:

• Death certificate (copy or certified copy, depending on instructions)
• Proof of relationship, such as:
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
• Estate documents, such as:
  • Letters of administration
  • Letters testamentary
  • Court appointment as executor or administrator

For Businesses

If you are claiming on behalf of a business:

• Proof of authority, such as:
  • Articles of incorporation
  • Business license
  • Letter on business letterhead naming you as authorized
• Tax identification number (EIN) for the business
• Proof of prior address if the business has moved

Always follow the document checklist provided by the official New Hampshire unclaimed property office, as requirements can change.

Sample Overview: What You Might Need and Who To Contact

Below is a simple comparison to help you see what’s usually involved.

*Exact documents vary by case; follow the official instructions for your claim.

What Happens After You File a Claim?

Once the New Hampshire unclaimed property office receives your claim:

1. Review and Verification

   • Staff verify your identity and your connection to the property.
   • They compare your documents to the information reported by the original holder (employer, bank, insurer, etc.).

2. Requests for More Information (If Needed)

   • If something is unclear, the office may:
     • Ask for additional proof of address
     • Request clearer identification documents
     • Ask for estate documents if the owner is deceased

3. Approval or Denial

   • If approved, the state typically issues a check in your name for the amount owed.
   • If denied, the notice usually explains the reason and whether you can submit more documentation or appeal.

4. Timeline

   • Processing times vary. Many claims take several weeks to a few months, depending on complexity and volume.
   • Claims involving estates, name changes, or older records may take longer.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Knowing common pitfalls can help you avoid problems.

Frequent issues include:

• Name mismatch

  • The name on your ID doesn’t match the name on the record (for example, due to marriage or legal name change) and no supporting documents are provided.

• Insufficient proof of address

  • You can’t show you lived at the address associated with the unclaimed property.

• Missing or unclear documentation

  • Documents are blurry, incomplete, or not signed where required.
  • Estate paperwork is missing when the listed owner is deceased.

• Wrong claimant

  • Someone files a claim for property that actually belongs to another person with a similar name and cannot prove the connection.

To reduce delays:

• Read the instructions carefully on the official claim form.
• Send clear, readable copies of documents.
• If your name has changed, include proof of name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order).

Can You Appeal If Your Claim Is Denied?

Procedures can vary, but in many cases:

• You may receive a written explanation of why your claim was denied.
• You might be allowed to:
  • Submit additional documentation that addresses the problem, or
  • File a new claim with more complete information.

If the denial letter provides instructions, follow them closely. If you’re unsure, you can usually call or write to the unclaimed property office and ask what additional proof is needed.

How Far Back Can You Go? Do Unclaimed Funds Expire?

In many states, unclaimed property does not expire once turned over to the state, and New Hampshire generally holds unclaimed property until it is claimed by the rightful owner or heirs.

However:

• Some original checks or refund offers might have expiration dates before they are transferred to the state.
• Once property is with the state’s unclaimed property program, it is usually held long term, but procedures can change.

If you suspect you had unclaimed payroll, refunds, or deposits from many years ago, it is still worth:

• Searching under your name in the official New Hampshire unclaimed property system
• Contacting the office if you believe you should see something that does not appear

What If You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Prove Ownership?

Sometimes you may recognize a company or address but cannot meet the documentation requirements to prove you’re the owner. In that case:

• The state may not release the funds, to protect against fraud.
• You may try to locate old records, such as:
  • Tax returns showing the address
  • Old bank statements, leases, or utility bills
  • Pay stubs from the employer in question

If you still cannot provide proof:

• The property typically remains in the state’s custody until someone can properly document ownership, such as an heir or estate representative.

Tips To Avoid Future Unclaimed Checks and Refunds

You can reduce the chances of money going unclaimed in the future by:

• Keeping your address updated

  • Notify employers, banks, and insurers when you move.
  • Update your address with tax agencies and financial institutions.

• Signing up for direct deposit

  • Use direct deposit for payroll, refunds, and benefits when possible.
  • This reduces the chance of paper checks getting lost or returned.

• Opening and reading mail from unfamiliar senders

  • Some refund checks or notices may come from third-party processors or parent companies you don’t recognize.

• Checking periodically

  • Many people make a habit of checking their state unclaimed property search once a year or every few years, especially after moving or changing jobs.

How To Avoid Scams When Searching for Unclaimed Money

Because unclaimed money is a tempting target, some scams try to take advantage of people looking for refunds.

Here are practical safety guidelines:

• Use official websites that end in “.gov”

  • For New Hampshire unclaimed property, make sure you are on a New Hampshire state government site.

• Be cautious with companies that charge fees

  • Some “finder” companies offer to search and claim money for you for a percentage of your refund.
  • In most cases, you can perform the search and claim process yourself for free through the official state portal.

• Do not share your Social Security number or banking details unless you are:

  • Certain you are on an official government site or speaking with a verified government representative, and
  • The information is clearly required to verify your identity or process your payment.

• Watch out for unsolicited calls, texts, or emails

  • If someone contacts you claiming you have unclaimed money and asks for payment or sensitive information, independently verify:
    • The agency’s phone number
    • The website address (type it yourself into your browser)
  • Contact the New Hampshire unclaimed property office directly using contact information you look up yourself, not information provided by the caller.

If something feels off, hang up or stop responding and contact the official New Hampshire office for guidance.

Where To Go Next

To pursue unclaimed checks, refunds, and payroll in New Hampshire, your next steps are:

1. Find the official New Hampshire unclaimed property office

   • Look for the New Hampshire state government website and the Treasury or Unclaimed Property section.

2. Search for your name (and variations) using the official tool.

3. Review any matches carefully and initiate a claim for those that clearly belong to you.

4. Gather required documents such as ID, proof of address, and any supporting records requested.

5. Submit your claim through the official online system or by mail, and respond promptly to any follow-up requests from the state office.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot process claims or check your refund status, but using this information you can move forward confidently with the official New Hampshire agencies that manage unclaimed checks, refunds, and payroll.